Opposition accuses government of 'mockery of nationalism'

New Delhi: In a scathing attack on the government, the Opposition accused it of making "mockery of nationalism" as it voiced concern over the flare up of events related to JNU while the basic issues like poverty, unemployment and growth took a backseat.

Participating in a discussion on 'Motion of Thanks to the President's Address in Rajya Sabha, Sharad Yadav (JDU) raked up the JNU issue and said archaic laws are being used as weapons against the youth.

"Why are you making a mockery of nationalism" at the cost of real issues," he asked the government and contended that the situation has deteriorated to such an extent that people no longer feel safe in the country.

"I have not come across in my life such display of nationalism... Kanhaiya was beaten up...videos have been doctored...All professors in JNU will search Kanhaiya's hideouts," Yadav said.

Archaic laws of 1860 were used as weapons against the youth, he alleged and added that by arresting youths in the name of sedition, the government was giving weapons in the hands of unemployed youth to shout slogans and be arrested to get food in jail.

Taking a jibe at the ruling party, he said that such was the atmosphere of fear that mere mention of God, Godesses or their carriers like rat or owl could arouse the emotions of the ruling party.

The BJP government at the time of coming to power had promised employment to 2 crore youth per annum but nothing has been done and even no black money could be brought back, he said.

Fancy names are being chosen for schemes like Namami Gange, he said and alleged that "some people were conniving with contractors" for construction activities on Ganges which would be like "foeticide" instead of "saving Ganga", Yadav said.

"Farmers are committing suicide daily, there is huge NPA of Rs 4.26 lakh crore ...never in the history was dal so costly," he said and added that oil prices reduced from USD 110 a barrel to USD 28 a barrel but there was no respite to people.

Accusing the Modi government of politicising the suicide of Dalit student Rohith Vemula, he said on the one side reservation was offered and on the other suppressed.

Vemula episode and the "arrogance" with which Minister gave "false statement" is not proper in a democracy, Yadav said without naming HRD Minister Smriti Irani.